I am presently in Cartagena, Colombia right now on a trip entirely booked using miles and points.

I’ve been in Colombia for almost a week now deep in pensive thought about the future. Just the notion of following the customary trajectory of retiring after 60 triggers an uncomfortable but all too common cascading sensation of anxiety.

That’s still 19 years from now! I could feel my body revolting with just the mere idea. Maybe the feelings are amplified by the fact that my 2-month summer break is inching closer to its end.

I absolutely love my job and wish it is just less stressful (I am a Speech-Language Pathologist). I also love traveling the globe because that’s where I feel the freest.

This brings me to this blog. Why “THE FRUGAL TOURIST”?, you may ask. It encapsulates my two principal goals for the future.

a. To circumnavigate the world as frugally as possible.

b. To reach financial independence, with the option of retiring early, as soon as possible (preferably by 50, which is about 9 years from now).

Colombia is my 81st country. Almost all of the countries I’ve visited, I’ve traveled to for free or for a bargain using miles and points.

I would like to share some strategies on how I’ve accrued tons of miles the past few years, enough to support my travels for the next decade or so. I

‘ve also committed some major financial travel slip-ups as well. I will share them so you won’t make similar mistakes.

I also want to start documenting my journey to financial independence. I have learned so much the past few months about the FIRE movement (Financial Independence Retire Early) that I’m excited to chronicle my successes and struggles to stay on the frugal path with the ultimate goal of financial independence before 50.

I know that it is possible to circle the globe without breaking the bank. Follow me on my quest to achieve this healthy balance of saving and traveling.